Dolly Parton is a gift that keeps giving, and she is such an inspiration. At the age of 73, she continues to stay relevant to each new generation. She built an empire when it wasn’t easy for women to do so. And yet, there is an element of mystery that surrounds her.
Dolly Parton had overcome adversity by being intentional even when that meant criticism. Criticism for being hyper-feminine, her business-savvy to cross-over to pop in the late-70’s, and of course the cosmetic surgery. I remember growing up and hearing all the hate thrown at her for her large breasts. Dolly Parton not only embraced cosmetic surgery (it was plastic surgery back then). She owned it like a boss.
Dolly Parton has ascended to a rare place of being an intergenerational celebrity. She has been about diversity and inclusion long before it became mainstream. She maintained fans within the religious right while at the same time bringing in the gay community. In 2018 Dolly Parton removed the word “Dixie” from her dinner attraction Dixie Stampede because someone told her it was offensive. She went on to explain “as soon as you realize something is a problem, you fix it. Don’t be a dumb ass. That is where my heart is. I would never dream of hurting anyone on purpose.”
Dolly Parton is unequivocally a leader in every sense of the word. Dolly models the way, shows the way, and has forged new paths. For that reason, her quote on leadership needs to continue to spread.
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”
